Wholesale electricity prices in Australia's main grid dropped significantly in the June quarter, with a nearly 50% decrease attributed to increased renewable energy output, reduced coal production, and low gas generation. The Australian Energy Market Operator highlights record renewable generation and growing battery storage as key factors reshaping the energy market. Grid-scale batteries are storing excess solar energy for evening peaks, leading to lower electricity prices. Despite some challenges like severe wind droughts and transmission constraints, South Australia saw a surge in wholesale power prices due to high prices commanded by gas and diesel generators. The grid is evolving rapidly with increased daytime demand driven by factors like home battery charging and data center load, with battery storage often setting wholesale prices lower than gas.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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Huge WA wind project with massive 4,000 MWh battery seeks state planning approval
The proposed Twin Hills wind farm in Western Australia's Mid West region, featuring the country's most powerful turbine and biggest battery, has been referred for public comment by the government's Environmental Protection Authority. The project by Wind Prospect includes 93 wind turbines with a capacity of up to 750 MW and a co-located battery offering at least eight hours of storage at 500 MW and 4,000 MWh. The project aims to boost grid reliability and store energy for high demand periods. The turbines needed for the capacity would be 8 MW each, making them larger than previous projects in the area. The project is located on cleared agricultural land and has already obtained federal approval for up to 110 turbines and 930 MW.
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Sunshine state sets new solar record – in the middle of winter
Queensland achieved a new record for the share of solar power in its electricity mix during winter, with large-scale solar supplying 38.2% of electricity consumption on a Sunday morning. Solar output peaked at 3.1 MW, setting a new record for battery-stored energy at 5,646 megawatt-hours, while the maximum renewable energy share reached just under 76% of consumption. Despite some curtailment, the state is making progress towards a cleaner energy future, showcasing changing daytime operating conditions in Queensland.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/sunshine-state-sets-new-solar-record-in-the-middle-of-winter/
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Battery boast: Australia dodges global gas price shock with help of storage and renewables
Australia's success in using firmed renewables has helped reduce wholesale electricity prices by 30% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, contributing to a decline in prices and negative prices in certain states. Globally, renewables are on track to surpass coal generation this year, with a forecasted growth of more than 8% in 2026. The report predicts a significant increase in the deployment of renewables, driven by industrial expansion, electric vehicles, air conditioning, heat pumps, and data centers. To integrate variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar PV, grid modernization, system flexibility, and efficient infrastructure use will be crucial as global electricity consumption is projected to reach 30,700 terawatt hours in 2027.
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“First of a kind” factory to mass produce wooden wind turbine blades wins critical EU backing
Voodin Blade Technology has been awarded €48 million from the European Union to build the world's first commercial factory for manufacturing wooden wind turbine blades. These blades are made from fully recyclable laminated veneer lumber, which produces 78% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional fibreglass blades. The factory, expected to begin operations in 2031, will be capable of producing up to 160 turbine blade sets each year using precision-machining guided by a digital model. Over the first decade of operation, the facility is expected to avoid more than 2.4 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent and create approximately 450 local jobs with an all-European supply chain.
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CIS shows how energy policy can deliver for First Nations. ESEM can build on this progress
The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) in Australia has shown that government market design can influence investment behavior in renewable energy projects, incentivizing developers to engage with First Nations communities. The Electricity Services Entry Mechanism (ESEM) aims to provide investment certainty for services needed in the transition to renewable energy, with a focus on separating non-financial outcomes, such as First Nations participation, from the competitive auction process. It is crucial for the ESEM to align with Australia's First Nations Clean Energy Strategy to ensure early engagement, genuine partnership, and respect for the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, recognizing First Nations as partners, participants, and rights holders in the clean energy transition. Policy choices made now will impact how benefits of the clean energy transition are shared in the future.
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Last of 1,038 Wärtsilä Quantum units installed at big battery next to gas plant in coal country
EnergyAustralia is leading the construction of a 350 MW, 1,400 MWh big battery in Victoria's Latrobe Valley to replace the Yallourn coal power plant. With all 1,000+ Wärtsilä battery units now in place, this project represents a major investment and a significant step in transitioning from coal to clean energy in the region. Set to be completed in 2027, the battery will play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid as the energy landscape evolves, showcasing a promising climate solution for the future.